Is this Saturn’s Next Small Car? Take a Closer Look at the Renault Samsung SM3...

By Charlie

Created 09/02/2009 - 12:15am

More and more industry analysts seem to agree that at some point in the next two years, Saturn retailers will begin selling a compact car that's based on the Renault Samsung SM3 you see in the picture above. While there has been evidence published to support this theory[1], it is only speculative at this time since none of the parties involved — Saturn, Roger Penske, or Renault-Samsung — have made any official announcements. But it doesn't hurt to take a closer look, right?

The new 2010 SM3 is a handsome little sedan that would fit right in alongside the Aura, Outlook, and Vue in Saturn's current lineup. While the SM3 is large for the compact class, Renault-Samsung has managed to achieve impressive fuel economy (more than 35mpg) thanks to a Nissan H4M four-cylinder powerplant and "Xtronic" transmission. The H4M is one of the newest engines to be developed under the Renault-Nissan alliance.

Saturn has a reputation for building safe vehicles, and it will be important for the brand to continue to offer state-of-the-art safety systems and impressive crash protection in whatever cars it sells in the future. The SM3 offers advanced features like Electronic Brake Force Distribution – Anti lock Braking System (EBFD-ABS), as well as a Brake Assist System (BAS) that the determines when sudden braking is necessary and increases braking power. For what its worth, Renault-Samsung says the vehicle will achieve the highest rating in offset crash safety performance (5 stars). Side and curtain airbags are available on all models.

According to Renault-Samsung, the SM3 is available in Korea with five trim levels and a wide variety of features: